HEALTH ADVISORY FOR BACTERIA LEVELS NORTH FORK OF THE ST LUCIE RIVER
(Please be careful and wash your hands if you come in contact with the water)
Florida Department of Health
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 10, 2016
***HEALTH ADVISORY FOR BACTERIA LEVELS***
***North Fork of the St. Lucie River ***
Contact:
Arlease Hall, Public Information Officer
Arlease.Hall@flhealth.gov
772-370-1391
(St. Lucie, County) – The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie urges residents to avoid contact with the North Fork of the St. Lucie River from River Park Marina at Prima Vista Boulevard south to Martin County line. Testing revealed higher than normal levels of enteric bacteria. The three locations sampled were River Park Marina, Veterans Park, and Sandpiper Bay Canoe Launch. The advisory will remain in effect until results show consistent readings in the good range.
Enteric bacteria inhabit the intestinal tract of humans and animals and their presence in recreational waters is an indication of fecal pollution. Symptoms of exposure for those who ingest or come in contact with the water may include upset stomach, diarrhea, eye irritation and skin rashes.
(Please wash your hands! Sing the Happy Birthday song and use soap and water)
For more information, please contact St. Lucie’s Environmental Health Division at 772-873-4931 or visit us online at www.StLucieCountyHealth.com .
About the Florida Department of Health
The department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.
Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.
